Aligner guide

Aligner Care Guide:

How to use Them for Best Results

A simple guide to help you wear, care for, and get the most out of your Smilepath clear aligners.

Let’s Get You Set Up

Your aligners are here - now let’s walk through how to use them properly.

If you have a question, our Smilepath team is always here to help.

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get-set

How To Read Your Aligner Pack

Inside your Smilepath box, you’ll find all the aligners you’ll need for your full treatment (Plus a complimentary pair of retainers to help maintain your new smile.)

Each aligner pack includes clear labels with:

  • Your Name
  • Case Number
  • Step Number
  • Upper Tray (U) or Lower Tray (L)

These details help you follow your plan effortlessly, without confusion.

A Quick Note

If a step includes only one aligner, don’t worry, it’s completely normal. Some teeth finish moving sooner than others.

How to Insert Your Aligners

guide-insert-aligner

Clean Hands
First

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your aligners.

guide-insert-aligner

Give Them
a Rinse

Rinse your aligner with cool or lukewarm water.

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Confirm Upper or Lower

Check the label to make sure you're holding the correct tray for the correct arch.

Insert With Care

Start by placing the aligner over your front teeth

Gently press down or up using your fingertips

Guide the aligner toward the back teeth until it’s fully seated

Avoid biting down to force it into place

Use Your Chewies

Biting lightly on chewies helps eliminate small gaps and ensures a snug, secure fit.

If It Doesn’t Feel Right

A little tightness is normal. If something feels unusually painful or the aligner won’t seat properly, remove it and reach out to us.

How to Care for
Your Aligners

Keep Them Safe

  • Store your aligners in their case whenever you’re not wearing them
  • Keep upcoming sets sealed until it’s time to switch
  • Hold on to previous sets in their original pouches
  • Avoid exposing your aligners to heat or direct sunlight

Keep Them Clean

  • Rinse with cool or lukewarm water
  • Use a soft toothbrush with mild soap for cleaning
  • Avoid toothpaste, mouthwash, denture cleaners, and hot water
  • For easier cleaning, gently brush the outside surface while wearing them

Keep Your Mouth Fresh

  • Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water
  • Brush and floss after meals
  • If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth and your aligners before putting them back in

How to Remove Your Aligners

guide-insert-aligner

Wash your hands

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Use your fingertip or removal tool

Remove From the Back

Lift gently from a back molar on one side, then the other

Once loosened, take it out carefully using both hands

Rinse, dry and store it in your aligner case

Avoid the Following

  • Pulling the aligner from the front

  • Using nails or sharp objects

  • Twisting or bending the tray

  • Removing your aligners more often than needed

Your Wear Schedule

Every Smilepath treatment is personalized - so your wear time and aligner change schedule are customized for you.

Wear Time

Your plan will specify whether you’re using:

  • Day Aligners (approx. 20–22 hours/day), or

  • Night Aligners ( approx. 8–10 hours/night)

Always follow the hours listed in your treatment plan and on your aligner packets.

When to Switch Sets

Your aligner packs will clearly state how long each set should be worn - this may be 7, 10, 12 or more days, depending on your treatment.

Helpful Tip

Switching to a new set at night often makes the first few hours of tightness more comfortable

Stay on Track with the Smilepath App

Make your journey easier with the Smilepath app. Track your wear time, get reminders for switching sets, monitor your progress, and access your treatment details all in one place.

Download the SmilePath App

How Your Aligners Should Feel

Normal Sensations

When You Should Contact Us

It’s completely normal to experience:

✓

Gentle tightness or pressure for the first 24–48 hours

✓

A slight temporary lisp

✓

Increased saliva or mild dryness

✓

A bite that feels different as your teeth begin to shift

✓

A snug fit when starting a new set

Reach out if:

✕

Your aligner won’t fully seat, even after using chewies

✕

You experience sharp or severe pain

✕

You notice gaps between the aligner and your teeth

✕

A tray feels unusually loose

✕

Your aligner cracks or breaks

✕

You lose a tray and need help with your next step

We're Here For You

Whether you're unsure about a fit, need help with a step, or simply want guidance, our support team is always ready to assist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Read More FAQs
How do clear aligners work?

There is a set of clear aligners and each aligner puts a precise force on your teeth to correct their position.

How long does the Clear Aligners / Clear Braces treatment last?

Depending on the severity of the case, you might only wear them for 4-6 months or up to a year.

Can we eat and drink with clear aligners on?

Absolutely not, you have to remove the aligners because it can break or damage your clear aligners.

How often should I change my aligner?

You should wear each set of clear aligners for 10 days.

How often should I change my aligner?

You should wear each set of clear aligners for 10 days.

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